James T. McLaren has been listed in The
Best Lawyers in America for nearly two decades.
He is listed in the S.C. Super Lawyers publication under the Family Law designation. He and
his firm have received the highest rating (“AV”),
afforded to lawyers for legal ability and ethics,
in
the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory.
His statewide practice primarily involves complex matrimonial litigation
and trial work in addition to dispute resolution including mediation
and arbitration as an American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers-Certified
Mediator and Arbitrator.
 He has held numerous positions affiliated with Family Law including
admission as a certified Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers,
where he is currently serving as National President and on various committees. He has served as President of the South Carolina Chapter and
National Delegate.
He is a Fellow in the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has served as President of the South Carolina Chapter of the International Network of Boutique Law Firms since 2007. He is a Diplomate in the American College of Family Trial Lawyers.
He has served as chair of the Family Law Sections of the South Carolina Bar, the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association (now the American Association for Justice), and the Richland County Bar Association. He is a longstanding
member of the Family Law Sections of the American Bar Association,
the American Association For Justice, the South Carolina Bar, the
South Carolina Association For Justice, and the Richland County
Bar Association. Mr. McLaren has authored numerous articles and has
been a speaker in over 95 Family Law Continuing Legal Education Seminars,
including state and national Judicial Conferences and New Family
Court Judges Schools. He has also co-authored important Legislation
that impacts Family Law in South Carolina.
Private Practice:
■ Founding Partner, McLaren & Lee, Attorneys-at-Law
■ Statewide practice limited to Family Law matters
(private
practice established 1976)
Preparatory and Legal Education:
■ University of South Carolina, B.A., 1973
■ University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 1976
Bar Admissions:
■ South Carolina Bar, 1976
■ U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, 1976
■ U.S. District Court, South Carolina District, 1976
■ U.S. Supreme Court, 2005
Bar and Professional Memberships:
■ American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Certified Fellow
■ American College of Family Trial Lawyers, Diplomate
■ American Bar Association, Family Law Section
■ American Association For Justice, Family Law Section
■ South Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section
■ South Carolina Association For Justice, Family Law Section
■ Richland County Bar Association, Family Law Section
■ International Network of Boutique Law Firms, S.C. Chapter President
Offices Held:
■ American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, National (President, 2014-2015;
President-Elect 2013-2014; First Vice President, 2012- 2013; Vice President, 2008-2012; Secretary 2007; Executive Committee, 2007-2014; Board of Governors, 2005-2006; Board of Directors, AAML Foundation, 2007-2012; Special Advisor, AAML Foundation, 2013-2014).
■ American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, National (Chair/Member, Law OfficeManagement Committee, 2005-2012; Member, Admissions Procedures Committee, 2004-2007; Co-Chair/Member, Website Committee, 2005-2012; CLE Chair, 2010-2011; Member, Continuing Legal Education Committee, 2006-2007; Member, ALI Commission, 2006-2007; Member, Best Practices Committee, 2008-2011; AAML Sales and Marketing Committee, 2007-2008; Member, Executive Committee Sponsorship, 2008; Chair/Member, Nominating Committee, 2008-2009, 2013/14; Chair/Member, Policies Committee, 2011-2013; Member, Post-Nuptial and Cohabitation Agreements Committee, 2011-2013; Chair/Member, Strategic Plan Implementation Committee, 2011-2014; Member, Social Media Committee, 2011-2012; Member, Webinar Committee, 2011-2012; Chair/Member, AAML/ABA FLS, 2012-2014; Co-Chair, Council of Committee Chairs, 2012-2013; Chair/Member, Publications Review Committee, 2012-2014; Chair/Member, Contracts Committee, 2012-2014; Policy Publication Committee, 2013-2014; Website and Technology Committee Liaison, 2013-2014; Chair, National Admissions Board of Examiners, 2013-2014).
■ American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, South Carolina
Chapter (President 2001-2002; President-Elect, 1999-2000;
Vice President 1997-98; National Delegate To Board of Governors, 2005-2007; Board of Managers and Executive Committee 2007).
■International Network of Boutique Law Firms, SC Chapter President, 2007-2014
■ South Carolina Bar, Family Law Section (Chair, 1991-92;
Chair-Elect,1990-91; Secretary, 1989-90; Section Delegate,
1995-96; Council, 1988-95)
■ South Carolina Bar, Practice and Procedure Committee
(Chair, Family Law Sub-Committee, 1989-1995; Chair, Sub-
Committee on Jurisdiction in the Family Courts, 1979-80)
■ South Carolina Bar, Lawyer-Accountant Relationship
Committee (Chair, 1998-99)
■ South Carolina
Association For Justice, Family Law Section
(Co-Chair, Family Court Judicial Liaison, 1983-1986;
Chair, 1983-84; Vice-Chair, 1982-83; Secretary, 1981-82;
Treasurer,1980-81)
Distinctions:
■ Certified Matrimonial Mediation Trained, American Academy
of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1995.
■ Certified Family Court Mediator, SC Bar and Dispute
Resolution Services, 1995.
■ Certified Matrimonial Arbitrator Trained, American Academy
of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2000.
■ Named, 2007 Fellow of the Year, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers of Matrimonial Lawyers.
■ Named, The Best Lawyers in America, Family Law designation,
1993 through 2013 Editions.
■ Named, South Carolina Super Lawyers, 2008-2014
■ Named, Legal Elite of the Midlands, Columbia Business Monthly, 2013-2014
■ Named, The Best Lawyers in the Midlands, Columbia Metropolitan Magazine, 2011-2014
■ Supreme Court Appointee, South Carolina Symposium -
Families In Court, sponsored by National Association of
Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 1991.
■ Lecturer, New Family Court Judges Orientation School, 2004-06.
■ Received "AV" designation from Martindale Hubbell, 1996-2013.
■ McLaren & Lee, 2009 - 2014 Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
■ Medical University of South Carolina, Board of Visitors,
2000-2004.
■ Named, Greater Columbia Business Monthly, Legal Elite, 2011-2012
Contributing Author:
■ South Carolina Equitable Apportionment Act,
§20-7-471, et. seq., S.C. Code of Laws
■ South Carolina Alimony Statute, §20-3-130, S.C. Code
of Laws
■ South Carolina Family Court Handbook, 1992, 1993 and 1996
Editions
Speaker: Various Family Law topics, South Carolina
Bar, South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, American Academy Of Matrimonial
Lawyers and Mandatory Judicial and Continuing Legal Education Seminars.
View Speech Details
■ Instructor ABA/NITA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute
Boulder, CO, July 12-19, 2014
■ Whipping Up Some Justice: Parenting Plans
South Carolina Bar, Webinar Series
Columbia, SC, October 2013
■ Counterpoints to Collaborative Law
SC Bar
Hot Tips for the Coolest Domestic Law Practitioners
Columbia, SC, September 27, 2013
■ How Litigation Apps Can Make You a Better Trial Lawyer
South Carolina Association for Justice Annual Convention
Hilton Head Is., SC, August 1, 2013
■ Instructor
ABA/NITA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute
Boulder, CO, July 13-20, 2013
■ Using Technology to Present a Complex Equitable Division Case
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Spring Meeting
Puerto Rico, March 20, 2013
■ "Technology for iPads and PC Laptops at Depositions and Trial"
AAML Technology Symposium
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL, November 7, 2012
■ "Big Case Technology"
38th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas
Houston, Texas, August 6-9, 2012
■ "Presenting the Family Law Case: The Basic Essentials"
SC Bar Seminar
Columbia, SC, April 27, 2012
■ CLE Chair and Moderator
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL, November 1-4, 2011
■ Instructor ABA/NITA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute
Boulder, CO, May 21-28, 2011
■ Chair and Moderator American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL, November 4-6, 2010
■ Instructor ABA Family Law Section, Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute
Denver, CO, May 26-29, 2010
■ Steering Your Way Through A Successful Litigation: A Practical Roadmap for
Those New to Family Court
Lecturer and Moderator
SC Bar Seminar
Columbia, SC,
May 21, 2010
■ AAML Spring Conference CLE
CLE Chair and Moderator
Aruba, March 2010
■ Trial Notebooks: Direct and Cross Examination of a Party
SC Bar, Coolest Domestic Law Practitioners Seminar
Columbia, SC, September 2009
■ Instructor ABA Family Law Section, Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute
Denver, CO, May 17-23, 2009
■ Panel Presentation - Blended Mediation/Arbitration: How and Why It is
Working
SC Bar, 2008 SC Family Court Bench/Bar Seminar
Columbia, SC, December 2008
■ The AAML, What is it and How to Apply
SC Bar, Coolest Domestic Law Practitioners Seminar
Columbia, SC, September 2008
■ Determining the Marital Standard of Living
AICPA/AAML National Conference on Divorce
Las Vegas, NV, May 2008
■ Arbitration - The Dark Ages Before Divorce Was Allowed, to a Period of
Enlightenment in which Arbitration is Allowed and Encouraged
Cleveland Bar Association, Arbitration Seminar
Cleveland, Ohio, September 2007
■ Copyrights, Are they Divisible in Divorce Proceedings
SC Bar, Coolest Domestic Law Practitioners Seminar
Columbia, SC, September 2007
■ Make Your Point in Family Court
South Bar Convention, Family Law Section
January 2006
■ Hot Tips From The Coolest Domestic Relations Practitioners
Moderator, Columbia, SC September 2006
■ Fee Agreements: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Nuts and Bolts of Fee Agreements and Ethical Requirements for Lawyers
What A Lawyer Should/Should Not, As Well as Can/Cannot Do
AAML Mid-Year Meeting
Cabos San Lucas, Mexico March 2006
■ Hot Tips From The Coolest Domestic Relations Practitioners
Moderator,
Columbia, SC September 2005
■ Family Law Practice with a Case Management System
and Support
60 Tips to Build a Successful Family Law Practice
Columbia,
SC, April 2005
■ Challenging Child Support Jurisdiction
Hot Tips from the Coolest Domestic Law Practitioners
Columbia,
SC, September 2004
■ Legal Issues for Law Practice Evaluations
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Annual Convention
Hilton Head, SC, August 2004
■ Resurecting COBRA Rights Terminated in Anticipation
of Divorce
Hot Tips from the Best Domestic Law Practitioners
Columbia, SC, September 2003
■ Marital Law Update
Family Court Bench/Bar Seminar
Columbia, SC, December 2002
■ Admissibility of Documents in Expert’s File
Hot Tips from the Best Domestic Law Practitioners
Columbia, SC, September 2002
■ Family Law Update
SC Annual Judicial Conference
Columbia, SC, August 2002
■ Reconciliation Agreements, Taking the Fifth, and
Attorney Fees
Orientation School for New South Carolina Family Court Judges
Columbia, SC, July 2002
■ Settlement Negotiations -- Pitfalls and Problems
Hot Tips from the Best Domestic Law Practitioners
Columbia, SC, September 2001
■ Financial Declarations
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Annual Convention
Hilton Head, SC, August 2001
■ Handling Your First Custody Dispute in South Carolina
National Business Institute
Columbia, SC, May 2001
■ Working With Experts, Consulting, Testifying, How
to Engage Them, How to Find Them, How to Attack Them and A Compendium
of Good Ones
AAML Mid-Year Meeting
Indian Wells, CA, March 2001
■ Stock Options and Management
Speaker and Coordinator of AAML, South Carolina and North
Carolina Chapters
Spring Retreat, Charleston, SC,
March 2001
■ Family Law: Goodwill: Post-Filing Earnings Implications
( Marital v. Non-Marital)
Hot Tips from the Best Domestic Law Practitioners Seminar,
South Carolina Bar and USC Law School, September 2000
■ Family Law: How to Approve and Award Attorney Fees
at Temporary and Final Hearings South Carolina Bar Mid-Year Meeting, January 2000
■ Family Law: Depositions and Other Discovery
South Carolina Family Court Bench/Bar Seminar
South Carolina Bar, December 1999
■ Family Law: Mind Maps for Trial Preparation
Hot Tips from the Best Domestic Law Practitioners Seminar,
South Carolina Bar, September 1999
■ Practical Divorce Practice Seminar: Family Law
American Bar Association, General Practice, Solo and
Small Firm Section, Section of Family Law, October 1998
■ Family Law Program: Valuation of a Professional
Practice
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention
August 1998
■ Annual Family Law Seminar: Attorney Fees
South Carolina Bar Annual Convention, June 1998
■ Analysis of the Law and Key Issues and Procedures
in the Divorce Process
South Carolina Family Law Practice for Paralegals
HalfMoon, LLC, March 1998
■ Alimony
South Carolina Bar, December 1997
■ Mediation of Children's Issues
South Carolina E.T.V. and Flying Solo Life Management, May
1997
■ Preparation of the Expert
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, March 1997
■ The Use of Expert Witnesses in Family Court Hearings
- A Hands-On Presentation Discussing the Practical Issues
Regarding Expert Opinion Evidence
South Carolina Bar, January 1997
■ Marital Tax, The Other Three Letter Word:
Drafting Pleadings, Agreements and Orders
SC Chapter of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers,
October, 1996.
■ Application of Minority and Marketability Discounts
in Valuing Closely Held Businesses in Marital Litigation Cases
1996 CPAs, Lawyers and Litigation Conference
South Carolina Bar and South Carolina Association of CPAs
September, 1996.
■ Marital Litigation Update: The Fall 1995 Family
Court Bench/Bar Seminar -- Income: Finding It and Imputing It
South Carolina Bar, CLE in conjunction with the University
of South Carolina,
November, 1995.
■ Nuts and Bolts of Running a Family Law Practice
South Carolina Association of Legal Secretaries, October,
1995.
■ Domestic Practice: The Continuing Saga of Hot Tips
From the Experts - Wiretapping
South Carolina Bar, CLE, July 1995.
■ The New South Carolina Family Court Mediation Rules
South Carolina Bar, CLE in cooperation with The SC Council
For Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution and The
University of South Carolina School of Law, June 1995
■ Family Court Mediator Certification Training
South Carolina Bar, CLE in cooperation with The SC Council
For Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution and The
University of South Carolina School of Law, June 1995
■ Family Law Practice: Where's It At and Where's It
Going?
Family Law Section of State Bar of Arizona, 62nd Annual
Convention,
Phoenix, AR, June 1995
■ Domestic Practice: Hot Tips from the Experts - Health
Insurance - COBRA
South Carolina Bar, May 1994.
■ Advanced Trial Techniques in Divorce Litigation
- Direct Examination of a Party - Techniques and Philosophy
ABA, Family Law Section, Spring Conference, April 1994.
■ Domestic Practice: Hot Tips from the Experts -
Avoiding Appeal Leverage and Other Transition Problems
South Carolina Bar, CLE, May 1993.
■ Health Insurance & Divorce
Health Insurance Planning Service,
Blue Cross/Blue Shield,
January 1993
■ Custody & Visitation
South Carolina Trial Lawyers, Annual Convention,
August 1992.
■ Domestic Practice: Hot Tips from the Experts -
Melt the Ice Around Recalcitrant Litigants in Discovery
South Carolina Bar, CLE, May 1992.
■ Attorney Fees
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, Annual
Convention, August 1991.
■ Arbitration Tribunals & Forums for Domestic Issues
South Carolina Bar, JCLE Family Law Seminar, July 1991.
■ Bar Speaks to the Bench - Pendente Lite Hearings
South Carolina Bar, CLE, May 1991.
■ Family Court Summit Conference
South Carolina Bar, September 1991.
■ Domestic Practice: The Return of Hot Tips from the
Experts Health Insurance - What to Do When COBRA Unavailable
South Carolina Bar, LE, May 1991.
■ Alimony & 1990 Alimony Statute
South Carolina Bar, CLE, November 1990.
■ Alimony Update
South Trial Lawyers Association, Annual Meeting,
August 1990.
■ Domestic Practice: Hot Tips from the Experts -
How to Win Litigation Costs & Expert Fees at Temporary Hearings
South Carolina Bar, CLE, June 1990.
■ Tax Considerations from a Judicial Perspective & Technical
Problems Pensions & Retirement Plans
JCLE Commission of South Carolina Supreme Court,
November 1989.
■ Alimony Update
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association,
Annual
Convention, August 1989.
■ Alimony Update
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, Annual
Convention, August 1988.
■ The Trial of An Equitable Distribution Case
South Carolina Bar, Bench Bar Conference, June 1988.
■ Alimony Update
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, Annual
Convention, August 1987.
■ Hearsay-Evidence Statements of and by Children
South Carolina Bar, CLE, July 1987.
■ Legal Fees with An Emphasis on the Matrimonial Practitioner
USC Law School, CLE, November 1986.
■ Understanding Equitable Apportionment and Utilizing
Depositions in the Family Court
South Carolina Bar, CLE, October 1986.
■ Evidence in Family Court - Hearsay Evidence - Statements
of and by Children
South Carolina Bar, JCLE, August 1986.
■ Taxation as it Effects Divorce-DRTA
Standard Federal Savings & Loan Association, CPE/CLE,
May 1985.
■ Family Law Seminar
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, Annual
Convention, August 1984.
■ Family Law Practice: Discovery & Agreements -
The Wife's Case
South Carolina Bar, CLE, September 1984.
■ Family Law Practice II: Discovery & Agreements -
The Wife's Case
South Carolina Bar, CLE, August 1984.
■ Taxation and Divorce
Standard
Federal Savings & Loan Association, CPE/CLE,
May 1984.
■ Family Law Update
National Business Institute, CLE, March 1984.
■ Mock Trial of Custody/Abuse Case
South Carolina Bar, JCLE, December 1983.
■ Equitable Division Update
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, Annual
Convention, August 1983.
■ Judicially Awarded Attorney Fees
South Carolina Bar, CLE, June 1983.
■ Basic Skills - Family Law
South Carolina Bar, CLE, January 1983.
■ Nuts and Bolts of Domestic Practice - Drafting Separation
Agreements; Update on S.C. Domestic Law - Rules and Procedures of Family Court
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, Annual
Convention, August 1982.
■ Motions in Family Court
South Carolina Bar, Mid-Year Meeting, January 1982.
■ Rules and Procedures of the Family Court
South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, Annual
Convention, August 1981.
■ Domestic Trial Advocacy - Mock Trial of Custody
and Economic Phases of Divorce Case
South Carolina Bar, CLE, March and April 1980.
Firm Information:
McLaren & Lee, Attorneys
1508 Laurel Street (29201)
P.O. Box 11809
Columbia, SC 29211
Phone: (803) 799-3074
Fax: (803) 252-3548
   
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